Floridian needs 411 about Desoto (Dallas, McKinney: crime, homes, private schools)

[vigi1009]

Hello all,

I recieved an offer to do business in Desoto. Any advice on the area? I am also looking throughout the Dallas, Ft Worth area (nothing fancy), but understand there are crime spots around. Are there any neighboring areas that are safer? What areas are up and coming? Thanks for your help!

[FarNorthDallas]

I don't much about DeSoto except the schools are really bad academically. Football team is good. The up and coming areas are mostly north of Dallas - Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and along Hwy 380. I'm also hearing that Kaufman County is starting to develop.

[jabbit]

lol @ frisco.

[Acntx]

DeSoto is a nice city. I lived there from 1990 (when I was just 4 years old) to October 2006. It is a primarily residential, middle to upper middle class community. It has a wide range of housing choices, from the typical starter homes to the large, expensive “estate-type” homes in the northwestern portion of the city. Retail is a bit lacking, although there has been a spike in development west of Hampton Road and neighboring Cedar Hill is also experiencing a retail boom. There are also plans for development along the Hampton Road corridor. As for crime, DeSoto is a relatively safe city.

I attended DeSoto schools from Kindergarten through graduation and feel that I received good education. Based on recent test scores, the district is considered “Academically Acceptable” by state standards and has no campuses rated as “Academically Unacceptable.” There were two “Recognized” elementary campuses and the high school has a low dropout rate. Like most public schools, they could probably do better in some areas, but you can get a quality education in DeSoto public schools. There are also several private schools in the area.

DeSoto experienced a significant demographic shift during the 1990’s and now has a majority African American population. In 2006, the National Civic League named it an “All-America City” for being able to cope with those changes so well and for its programs designed to encourage cross-cultural dialogue.

The booming northern suburbs are currently the epicenter of growth in the Metroplex, so a place like DeSoto might have a harder time in attracting out-of-state residents. There is also a tendency by some to think that the entire area south of the Trinity River is a “no-go area.” In my opinion, it was a nice place to grow up, but my advice would be to visit the city and see if you like it.

[rantanamo]

I've always found it funny the way people talk about the southern suburbs. For the most part, if you just looked at the homes, you'd think they are the same place. If you looked at the landscape, you think the southern suburbs are the place to be.

[seanahren]

Desoto is an area built for families and retirement. The schools are ok and there are plenty of places and things to do. You should look into Cedar Hill. Its one of the neighboring cities. Desoto is limited to its development due to its location. Cedar Hill is the place to do business trust me.